 Home Health and Safety Health and Safety News
Fatal falls for transport workers
27 October 2007
The transport industry continues to have one of the worst records for major injuries due to falls from vehicles during the loading and unloading of goods.
According to the HSE, transport accounted for 31% of all workplace fatalities in 2004/05. There were 70 reported fatalities to workers and to members of the public and over 2,000 serious injuries. Many of these iinjuries were caused by goods or people falling from vehicles during loading and unloading. The HSE is currently running a campaign to reduce falls from vehicles.
Commenting on the campaign, Judith Hackitt, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) said, "Every year 2000 workers are seriously injured after falling from their vehicle. It is vital that those who work in the transport industry take this issue seriously. Last year four workers actually lost their lives after falling from their truck or lorry and the cost of these deaths and serious injuries to the industry is in excess of £35 million a year."
"A majority of falls lead to serious injuries that affect workers and their families. Simple sensible precautions can avoid these incidents and the distress they cause. Those who buy and manage the many fleets of workplace vehicles up and down the country have an opportunity to set a real leadership example."
The awareness campaign aims to help those who are responsible for buying and managing workplace vehicles with simple steps that can be taken to improve the safety of vehicles:
- Vehicles should be well maintained and checked regularly
- Procedures for loading and unloading should avoid the need to work at height where possible
- Floor surfaces should be anti slip when possible, or, slip-resistant footwear provided
- If work at height is unavoidable steps, platforms and other safety equipment should be provided
For more information go to HSE's falls from vehicles campaign website
Contact Details
Health and Safety section
Ph: 0161 249 2441
Fax: 0161 249 2475
Email: healthandsafety@usdaw.org.uk
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